The Truth Will Set You Free

Lesson #144

In the next section, defined by John 8:31 – 38, we will learn that the truth will set us free. We begin this section with Jesus speaking to those who accept what Jesus has said so far. “Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31 – 32 NET). We will soon see that some of these will turn from him and then much later many more will also stop believing, but to those who John says currently believe, Jesus gives a promise and an implied warning. If those who currently accept what Jesus has been saying and continue to follow it, then they are truly his disciples and those the truth will set free. Many, even today, say they believe, but through the passing of time and the presence of trials that challenge their faith, they turn away. A true disciple will not fall away, but will grow spiritually through those trials and will continue on to the very end of life; some even facing death. Those who continue on in his teaching will truly know and understand the truth and will be set free by it.

As Jesus continues to teach, resistance continues to grow and the number of those who believe continue to decrease. “We are descendants of Abraham,” they replied, “and have never been anyone’s slaves! How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” (John 8:33 NET). Again is the problem of Jesus speaking spiritual truth and they hearing with a natural understanding. In their minds they are thinking of being a slave to some human master, but Jesus is speaking of a different kind of enslavement. As descendants of Abraham they claim not to be anyone’s slave, but they are not thinking of the claim sin has on their lives and how it enslaves them.

“Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34 NET). Jesus clarifies his statement about enslavement by explaining that the one who practices sin is a slave of sin; sin is actually their master who they are obeying, so they are not free. As a slave they are unable, on their own, to escape from their sinful pattern of conduct. We will see in John 8:36, that they will need help from Jesus.

Prayer

Father, how easy it is to be drawn away from your word by the world. There is so much I think I would enjoy doing, but when enticed I so often find my expectations not met. Over the 60 years that I have studied your word I have learned much truth, been nourished spiritually, and have a growing, living hope in the life I will spend with you forever. This learned truth has indeed set me free from many things that have been a bondage in my life. Thank you for loving me and setting me free.